In the city of Muanda, located in Kongo-Central on the Atlantic coast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an unusual and emotionally charged week came to an end after a large whale weighing more than 10 tons was found dead and later buried on Saturday, July 4.
The marine animal, measuring nearly 12 meters in length, was first discovered stranded along the coast near Kilometer 5.
Its presence quickly attracted hundreds of curious residents, turning it into the main topic of conversation across the town for several days.
From the moment it was spotted, people from different walks of life — including traders, youth, and students — gathered daily to witness the massive creature. It soon became the central subject in markets, homes, and public spaces throughout Muanda.
Despite the fascination caused by its extraordinary size, environmental authorities, including the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), issued strict warnings, urging the public not to touch or exploit the animal while investigations into its death were ongoing.
ICCN teams initially attempted to return the whale to the Atlantic Ocean, but it was soon confirmed that the animal had already died. The cause of death remains unknown and is still under investigation.
Due to its enormous weight, heavy machinery, including a crane brought from Matadi, was required to move the carcass, as it was far beyond human or ordinary equipment capacity.
A final journey accompanied by crowds
For its final journey, the whale was transported to a designated burial site, escorted by a convoy of vehicles, a brass band, and large crowds of residents who watched in silence and amazement.
The scene was unprecedented in Muanda, with many describing it as a historic and extraordinary moment.
The ICCN prepared a controlled burial site to prevent environmental risks linked to decomposition and to protect public health.
Before burial, a small traditional ceremony was held, after which the whale was carefully placed into a prepared pit by specialists.
Environmental officials again reminded the public that touching or consuming the animal was strictly prohibited while investigations continue into the cause of death.
This massive sea creature left a strong message for the people of Muanda and the wider region: marine life is both powerful and fragile, and must be protected.
Its burial turned Muanda into the center of an extraordinary story, blending public curiosity with environmental awareness in a remarkable way.
Muanda will long remember the “sea creature” that arrived and became a symbol of an unusual and unforgettable week.
Rwandatribune.rw
